LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT HATTIKUNI (4D5B1E2d) MICROWATERSHED Hattikuni Hobli, Yadgir Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Hattikuni Microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and the physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification, behavior and use potentials of the soils in the microwatershed. The present study covers an area of 737 ha in Yadgir taluk & district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought-prone with an average annual rainfall of 866 mm, of which about 652 mm is received during south-west monsoon, 138 mm during north-east and the remaining 76 mm during the rest of the year. An area of 648 ha in the microwatershed is covered by soils, about 16 ha in the microwatershed is covered by rock outcrops and about 71 ha by others (habitation and water bodies). The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 8 soil series and 16 soil phases (management units) and 4 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is about 120-150 days starting from 1st week of June to 4th week of October.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 320 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing 29 major agricultural and horticultural crops was assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  Entire area in the microwatershed is suitable for agriculture.  About 63 per cent area of the microwatershed has soils that are moderately deep to very deep (75 - >150 cm) and 26 per cent soils are shallow to moderately shallow (25-75 cm).  About 7 per cent area in the microwatershed has sandy soils, 58 per cent area in the microwatershed has loamy soils and 23 per cent clayey soils at the surface.  About 81 per cent area in the microwatershed has non gravelly (<15%) and 7 per cent area in the microwatershed has gravelly (15-35%).  About 59 per cent area of the microwatershed is very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity, 6 per cent is low (51-100 mm/m) and 24 per cent area very low (<51 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 38 per cent area of the microwatershed has very gently sloping (1-3% slope) lands and about 50 per cent area of the microwatershed has nearly level (0-1% slope) lands.  An area of about 38 per cent area is moderately (e2) eroded and about 50 per cent area is slightly (e1) eroded.  An area of about <1 per cent soils are strongly acid to moderately acid (pH 5.0- 6.0) in soil reaction, <1 per cent soils are slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5) in soil reaction, 27 per cent soils are neutral (pH 6.5-7.3) in soil reaction, 56 per cent soil are slightly to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3-8.4) and 5 per cent soils are strongly to very strongly alkaline (8.4 - >9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils in the entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is dominantly <2 dsm-1 indicating that the soils are non-saline.  About 4 per cent of the soils are low (<0.5%) in organic carbon, 61 per cent medium (0.5-0.75%) in organic carbon and 23 per cent high (>0.75%).  About 81 per area is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in available phosphorus and 7 per area is high (>57 kg/ha).  Entire cultivated area is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in an area of about 23 per cent, medium (10 - 20 ppm) in 59 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 6 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in an area of about 54 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0 ppm) in an area of 34 per cent.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 87 per cent area of the microwatershed and <1 per cent of area is deficient (<4.5 ppm).  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in all the soils of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 29 major crops grown in the microwatershed were assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, market price and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the Microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 435(59) 41(6) Guava - - Maize - 476(65) Sapota - - Bajra - 502(69) Pomegranate - 435(59) Groundnut - 26(4) Musambi 422(57) 13(2) Sunflower 423(57) 12(2) Lime 422(57) 13(2) Redgram - 435(59) Amla - 502(69) Bengal gram 435(59) 41(6) Cashew - - Cotton 423(57) 53(8) Jackfruit - - Chilli - 476(65) Jamun - 435(59) Tomato - 463(63) Custard apple 434(59) 68(10) Brinjal 50(7) 452(62) Tamarind - 435(59) Onion 291(39) 67(10) Mulberry - 26(4) Bhendi 195(26) 307(43) Marigold - 476(65) Drumstick - 461(63) Chrysanthemum - 476(65) Mango - 39(5)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fodder, fiber and horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital to crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. This would help in not only supplementing the farm income but also provide fodder and fuel to generate lot of biomass which would help in maintaining an ecological balance and also contribute to mitigating the climate change. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE STUDY  The data indicated that there were 96 (61.94%) men and 59 (38.06%) women in the micro watershed.  The average family size of landless farmers was 2.8, marginal farmers were 4.6, small farmers were 5.3, semi medium farmer was 4.5 and in medium farmers it was 4.5.  The data indicated that 13 (8.39%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 62 (40%) were in 16-35 years of age, 67 (43.23%) were in 36-60 years of age and 13 (8.39%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Hattikuni had 58.06 per cent illiterates, 18.06 per cent of them had primary school education, 4.52 per cent of them had middle school education, 8.39 per cent of them had high school education, 5.16 per cent of them had PUC education, 1.94 per cent them had Diploma education, 2.58 per cent of them had degree education, and 1.29 per cent of them had other education.  The results indicated that, 85.29 per cent of households were practicing agriculture, 8.82 per cent of the household heads were general labourers, 2.94 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labourers and 5.88 per cent were housewives.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 54.84 per cent of the household members, 2.58 per cent were agricultural labourers, 1.94 per cent were general labours, 1.94 percent were in private service, 10.32 per cent of them were students, 25.81 per cent were housewives and 1.29 per cent were children.  The results showed no participation of households in any local institutions.  The results indicated that 64.71 per cent of the households possess katha house, and 35.29 per cent of the households possess pucca house.  The results showed that 100 per cent of the households possess TV, 8.82 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 23.53 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, and 100 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The average value of television was Rs. 9088, mixer grinder was Rs.2500, motor cycle was Rs.70500, and mobile phone was Rs.2391.  About 23.53 per cent of the households possess plough, 23.53 per cent of them possess bullock cart and 23.53 per cent of the households possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of plough was Rs.7250, the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 16500, and the average value of weeder was Rs. 106.  The results indicated that, 29.41 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 5.88 per cent of the households possess local cow, and 5.88 per cent of the households possess sheep. Marginal farmers possessed bullock and local cow, small farmers 2 possessed bullock and sheep, semi medium farmers possessed bullock and local cow, and medium farmers possessed bullock and sheep.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the microwatershed was 9.82, average own labour (women) available was 7.16, average hired labour (men) available was 58.79 and average hired labour (women) available was 54.46.  The results indicated that, 88.24 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate. About 100 per cent of the marginal farmers, 100 per cent of small, 100 per cent of semi medium and 100 per cent of medium farmers have opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Hattikuni micro-watershed possess 28.11 ha (70.12%) of dry land and 11.98 ha (29.88%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 8.49 ha (94.93%) of dry land and 0.45 ha (5.07%). Small farmers possess 14.27 ha (100%) of dry land. Semi medium farmers possess 5.34 ha (61.51%) of dry land and 3.34 ha (38.49%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 8.18 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 426,781.86 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 250,422.44.  The results indicated that, there were 3 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 8.82 per cent of the farmers and canal was the major source of irrigation for 2.94 per cent of the farmers in the micro watershed.  The depth of bore well was 70.34 meters on an average and the depth of canal was 1.14 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 0.45 ha, in case of small farmers there was 1.29 ha, in case of semi medium farmers there was 3.34 ha and in case of medium farmers there was 8.18 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown groundnut (14.06 ha), paddy (11.53 ha), redgram (6.95 ha), greengram (3.98 ha) and cotton (3.59 ha).  Marginal farmers have grown groundnut, redgram, greengram and cotton. Small farmers have grown groundnut, redgram and greengram. Semi medium farmers have grown groundnut, paddy and cotton. Medium farmers have grown only paddy.  The cropping intensity in Hattikuni micro-watershed was found to be 100 per cent among marginal farmers, small farmers, semi medium farmers and medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 91.18 per cent of the households have bank account and savings. 3  The results indicate that, the average amount of loan borrowed by semi medium farmer is Rs.25000 and a medium farmer is Rs.175000.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 65030.63. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 88027.40. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 22996.77, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.35.  The total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 63586.05. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 121364.59. The net income from paddy cultivation was Rs. 57778.54. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.91.  The total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 34519.74. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 65035.12. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. 30515.38. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.88.  The total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 29855.77. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 72510.01. The net income from red gram cultivation was Rs. 42654.25. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.43.  The total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 30852.19. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 76711.16. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 45858.97. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.49.  The results indicate that, 44.12 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate which includes 64.29 per cent of marginal, 30 per cent of small farmers, 50 per cent of semi medium farmers and 50 per cent of medium farmers. Around 41.18 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The table indicated that the average income of landless farmers was Rs.57500, marginal farmers’ was Rs.110035.71, small farmers’ was Rs. 193000, semi medium farmers’ was Rs.280750 and medium farmers’ was Rs.440000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 14906. For landless farmers it was Rs.5625, marginal farmers it was Rs. 2836, for small farmers it was Rs. 15711, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 31875 and for medium farmers it was Rs. 80000.  The results indicated that, cotton, greengram and groundnut were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Paddy was sold to the extent of 98.1 per cent and sorghum 85 per cent.  The results indicated that, 2.94 per cent of the households sold their produce to agent/traders, 82.35 per cent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchants and 2.94 per cent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets.  The results indicated that 5.88 per cent of the households have used cart as a mode of transport and 82.35 per cent have used tractor.  The results indicated that, 85.29 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing. 4  The results indicated that, 82.35 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel.  Piped supply was the major source for drinking water for 100 per cent of the households in the micro watershed.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the population.  The results indicated that, 23.53 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 50 per cent of landless, 14.29 per cent of marginal, 10 per cent of small, 25 per cent of semi medium and 100 per cent of medium famers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 79.41 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 75 per cent of the landless, 57.14 percent of the marginal, 100 per cent of the small, 100 per cent of the semi medium and 100 percent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 79.41 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 55.88 per cent of the households, oilseeds were adequate for 35.29 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 64.71 per cent of the household, fruits for 41.18 percent, milk for 73.53, egg for 70.59 and meat was adequate for 67.65 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 88.24 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (76.47%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (32.35%), inadequacy of irrigation water (8.82%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (79.41%), high rate of interest on credit (85.29%), low price for the agricultural commodities (82.35%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (79.41%), inadequate extension services (5.88%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (76.47%) and less rainfall (2.94%).